There are many myths and superstitions when it comes to the outdoor world. One of them centers on how bass go into hibernation and will not bite during our cold weather months. Yes, bass are cold blooded animals and their metabolic rate slows as the temperature falls, but as one fishing guide once told me when I asked if the fish were biting, he said "they have to eat sometime."
Fishing in December and January can be very productive. Staying warm is typically more difficult than actually catching fish. Once you locate bass on drop offs, brush piles or boat docks, the catching can be fast and furious. One of the main things that I look for when trying to locate bass in the winter is bait fish. Once you find the shade, the bass will be nearby.
Air temperatures in the morning started off in the low 30's with surface water temperatures ranging from 42-45 degrees throughout the day. Of the 17 boats that fished the tournament, 45 bass surpassing the 14 inch minimum were brought to the scales. The winning five fish stringer was 15.48 pounds with 14.40 pounds and 14.28 pounds taking second and third place. A 5.56 pound largemouth took big bass honors, but there were also many nice smallmouths caught that included one weighing in at 5.03 pounds. After speaking with many of the fisherman, most admitted to catching their fish in the 20-25 foot depth range. The best lures this month were suspending jerk-baits, Cotton Cordell ¾ oz. and ½ oz. jigging spoons and bass jigs with pork trailers. I know for a fact that the 5 pound smallmouth was caught on a jigging spoon as I was in the boat and netted the fish when it was caught. All of the fish weighed in were very healthy and looked to have been eating on a steady diet of shad. All 45 fish were released alive. If you get a day off on a nice Texas winter day, go out to the lake and catch some fish.
About this Author
Shane Allison is true Bass Fisherman. He is a member of the Texoma Bass Club and has been for many year. Shane lives in Sherman, Texas. When you need more information from Shane, go to http://www.mylgn123.com.
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